Arizona Fishing Report - July 31, 2008
July 31, 2008
Been fishing at Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, or Apache Lake?? If so, we need to hear from you by clicking on the link below:
Survey of Anglers at Canyon, Saguaro, and Apache Lake
Been Fishing?
Tell us about it. Your comments may be added to the weekly fishing report.
Report editor:
Rory Aikens, (623) 236-7214
Regional editors:
Pinetop Region - Richard Dreyer, (928) 367-4281
Flagstaff Region - Chuck Benedict, (928) 774-5045
Kingman Region - Andy Clark, (928) 692-7700
Yuma Region - Vacant (928) 342-4051
Tucson Region - Don Mitchell, (520) 388-4451
Mesa Region - Diana Rogers, (480) 324-3544
Other ways to get the fishing report:
* Weekly Fishing Report Blog
* Weekly Fishing Report RSS Feed
* Internet home page: azgfd.gov
Recorded public call-in line: (623) 236-7701
Rory's Tip
The new moon is Aug. 1, making this an excellent time to fish at night using submersible lights for crappie, largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish and even trout. But another reason to become a nocturnal angler is the summer Perseids meteor showers.
According to Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseids the Perseids (pronounced pûr'sē-ĭdz) meteor showers occur when Earth moves through a meteor stream or cloud stretching along the orbit of the Comet Swift-Tuttle. By the way, most of the dust in the cloud is approximately a thousand years old.
It should be possible to spot around five Perseids per hour at the beginning of August and perhaps 15 per hour by Aug. 10. The Perseids should rapidly increase to a peak of 50-80 meteors per hour by the night of Aug. 12-13 (might be tougher to see meteors with the moon in its last quarter) and then rapidly decline to about 10-per-hour by Aug. 15. The full moon is Aug. 16. The last night meteors are likely to be seen from this meteor shower is Aug. 22, when an observer might see one every hour or so.
Those are the night-sky details. Here is the experience. Seeing those “shooting stars” reflected on the calm surface of a mirror-like desert or mountain lake is an extraordinary experience. Catching a fish by the light of a shooting star might just become your angling highlight of the year – maybe even the decade.
Top places to night fish and star gaze?
My first choice is Big Lake in the White Mountains. The altitude and clear high mountain air makes the stars seem like you can reach out and touch them. Plus, meteor showers and catching trout is a summer’s night dream experience. You might even have to wear a jacket. At 9,000 feet in elevation, the air can get chilly at night. This can seem especially inviting while baking in Phoenix rush-hour traffic.
On such mountain nights, it almost seems a shame to have any lights. I like to keep it simple and just fish a worm either a couple of feet under a bobber, or down on the bottom using a small slip sinker. You might not catch as many fish that way, but who knows, you might just catch a fantastic falling star.
For the desert fisheries, I prefer Alamo Lake – it sits in a big bowl, has no light pollution, and is great for star gazing. Hey, the fishing be can terrific as well (try near the dam). There are submersible crappie lights that you can lower down to avoid creating your own light pollution, yet still attract the plankton-shad-sport-fish food chain. Bring bug spray.
Another good place to try is Lake Mead for stripers. The clear skies and dry desert air can provide some spectacular results in the sky and on the end of your fishing lines.
The deep canyons of Powell can limit the ability to see some of the night sky, but a streaking meteor lighting up a red sandstone canyon, butte or mesa can illuminate a whole new connotation to nighttime thrills. It’s not a bad time to be sitting on the top of a houseboat.
If you can’t get out of town (and away from the light pollution), don’t ignore the opportunities at fisheries close to home. My favorite is Tempe Town Lake. If you have to have light pollution, the distinctive Mill Avenue Bridge lights being reflected on this shallow lake is an iconic sight for the Valley of the Sun. Watching a meteor streak across the night sky while jet planes take off from Sky Harbor can be awesome.
Hopefully, as you are reading this I am experiencing similar nighttime sky shows in the spectacular lakes of Yellowstone and Glacier National parks, but I’ll be back in the office saddle the first week of August.
Good luck and good fishing – go catch some memories.
Everyone’s Fishing News
New interactive e-map shows where to fish in Arizona
Ever wish you could see a map of Arizona showing all the places to go fishing, along with what types of fish you can find and maybe even something about the facilities at each lake, river or stream?
The Game and Fish Department now has a computerized interactive fishing hole map of Arizona on its Web site under “Where To Fish.”
Most of the information for the interactive computerized map was taken from the popular “Arizona Fishin’ Holes” booklet published by the Game and Fish Department.
One of the cool things about this interactive map is it gives you the ability to locate places to fish for specific species. “Want to know where to fish for rainbow trout? Simply click on the words ‘rainbow trout’ at the bottom and the map will only show those locations with trout,” said Web Master Brian Ference, who headed up the project.
Do you need directions to a particular fishing hole? Those are there too. You can even choose the type of map you want, including topographical or satellite imagery. There are even links to Wikipedia to provide more detailed information.
Are you curious about the current weather over your prospective fishing hole? Just click on the link to “View on Google Earth” at the top of the map and with a couple of tweaks, you can see for yourself.
Don’t forget, you can also sign up to have the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Weekly Fishing Report delivered directly to your computer each and every week. It’s always good to find out what fish are biting where, and what baits or methods to use as well.
To complete your friendly arsenal of relevant fishing information, you might want to purchase the $6 “Arizona Fishin’ Holes” publication as well – it is sized to fit most vehicle glove compartments. To obtain an order form, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/i_e/pubs/publications.shtml.
Central Arizona
URBAN LAKES - June 23-28 was the last week for catfish stockings at the urban lakes this summer. With the lake temperatures climbing rapidly towards 90 degrees and air temperatures well above 100, it becomes impractical to haul live fish into Arizona's urban lakes. Fall catfish stockings will resume in Mid-September after lake and weather conditions improve enough to safely transport and stock catfish once again. Anglers can still fish for catfish, bass and bluegill at urban waters throughout the summer, but the action is generally slower. The best catfish action is during low light or nighttime conditions and sunfish continue to bite well on small worms fished under a bobber. At Green Valley lakes most of the trout have been fished out, but anglers are enjoying great action on bluegill, crappie and bass. Try small jigs and worms fished under a bobber at Green Valley.
Angler report:
Where: Papago Lake (Urban)
When: 07/21/08
Caught: Catfish
Technique: Bait-Worm. No weight. I used a clear bobber set approx. 3' from the hook.
Comments: Fresh water was flowing into the lake. I casted about 10-20 feet from the opening of the irrigation opening. A couple of minutes later I saw my bobber get pulled down in an instant. I landed a 16 incher that was delicious. What is it about seeing that bobber nose dive from sight? We fishermen and fisherwomen endure the most severe of weather conditions willingly just to see that sight, or the tug on a weighted line? Like junkies awaiting their next fix! God I hope it never wears off! I've been "getting my fix" since I was a kid. I'm 55 now.
Name: Joseph E. Perez Jr.
Where: Evelyn Hallman Pond, formerly Canal Lake
When: 07/23/08
Caught: Nothing
Technique: Worms, corn, power bait. On a bobber set at different depths (1'-4').
Comments: I was greatly disappointed. Not in that I didn't get a bite-you have to grow thick skin when it comes to that if you fish regularly. No, I was upset at the condition of the lake. Algae trash and a stench floated on the scummy surface of this once beautiful urban lake. There weren't even any fry fish swimming clustered in small clouds as I remember. The lake had no surface activity. It appeared dead. I was there about 3PM to 5PM. This may have accounted for some of it, but I have fished this lake in the past at various hours and even if my luck was bad, I'd still see surface activity or bait fish swimming along. There is some type of construction making it a little difficult to get in, but that should not be an excuse for Tempe's Park and Recreation Department from doing their job of cleaning up trash or fallen dead tree limbs in the water, or from flushing the lake by opening the flood gates to allow more fresh water in. How about AZ. Game and Fish? Where's that wonderful active lake with all of those fish? What's going on with the smell and the algae?
Name: Joseph E. Perez Jr.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE
Shore anglers are catching largemouth bass on Crankbait and jigs.
Angler report:
Where: Tempe Town Lake
When: 07/19/08
Caught: 5 Catfish, one small bass
Technique: Caught 5 catfish on chicken liver ranging 1-4 lbs each from about 8-11pm. Caught the bass on a white spinnerbait at about 8pm, but he was a little guy.
Comments: Good luck!
Name: Josh
Where: Tempe Town Lake
When: 07/23/08
Caught: One 14" blue catfish
Technique: Bait and bobber. I used worms and corn.
Comments: I had just finished trying to fish at Canal Park. The two lakes were like night and day in their presentation. Tempe town lake was clean and although a little slow, it DID have activity because it had FISH! I was fishing just to the west of the dock. Park security arrived later and informed me that although it isn't posted, no one is allowed to fish between the two bridges. I think the two are the Mill Ave. Bridge and the Transit Bridge. He said that anyone can fish west of the Transit Bridge -up to the "Blue Fence" and East from the Mill Ave Bridge to Rural. It might be me, but I drove around and could not find any access to the lake except from where I was at-- between the two bridges just north of the Tempe Town Lake parking lot. If anyone knows how to get to the lake other than where I was, I'd greatly appreciate any info.
Name: Joseph E. Perez Jr.
LAKE PLEASANT - Water elevation is 1676 ft, which is 75% full.
Lake Pleasant haulOne avid striper angler reported shorter duration shad boils and once 9am hits, shad boils seem to dry up. Stripers and whites are a little more difficult to catch in large numbers, but they still bagged about 10 or so using topwater lures. Other anglers recommend trying swimbaits in the northern coves and using Carolina rigged worms, brush hogs and the like in the main lake once the shad boils disappear.
Another angler caught 9 stripers, 2 whites and 5 largemouth bass and all were caught on a Diawa diving topwater lure in the northern coves of Pleasant. You have to be there early and find the shad boils. The fishing started to taper off around 7:00am. Scorpion Point is another good area to fish, 1/4th oz blue and silver Kastmasters are working well and clear topwater lures such as Zara puppies and vixens are effective.
3 nice striper caught at Lake Pleasant
There have been several instances of unsportsmanlike-like conduct on Pleasant. A fisherman will be fishing a shad boil and another angler comes in and pushes the first fishermen off the boil, resulting in the boil disappearing and very tense situation erupting. The golden rule applies here; don’t horn in on someone’s spot. The boils are so small and ephemeral right now be patient and hang back, if someone is already on a boil chances are you’ll see another boil pop up near your area – if not, use your binoculars and find some yourself.
Angler report:
Where: Lake pleasant
When: 07/24/08
Caught: 10 white bass 2large mouth and 3 catfish
Technique: spooks for bass and anchovy for cats
Comments: good boils, I was getting bites every time I casted in to them
Name: Andrew Althaus
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 07/23/08
Caught: White Bass
Technique: Casting topwater lures and Kastmasters to shad boils
Comments: Wife and I got into several good boils in northern coves but could only get one fish. For some reason nothing we threw was fooling them
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 07/17/08
Caught: 1 Striped Bass about 2 1/2 pounds
Technique: Using a Krocodile Spoon 3/8 ounce
Name: Dave J. Skowronek
Where: Lake pleasant
When: 07/22/08
Caught: 12 STRIPERS 1 CAT FISH
Technique: GOT TO THE LAKE AROUND 10:30 PM TIED UP TO THE TIRE LINE USED FROZEN ANCHOVIES
Comments: VERRY GOOD BITES ALL NIGHT TILL 1:30AM IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT TO BE OUT, PERFECT CONDITIONS TO FISH
Name: ART CARDENAS
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 07/27/08
Caught: Channels
Technique: Frozen Anchovies from Shore
Comments: Fished from 6 to 8pm. Caught 2 small channels. I sometimes hear people ask if channels will bite choves and the answer is YES.
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 7/28/08
Caught: 4.75lb largemouth bass & 8 (2 to 3lb Stripers
Technique: Crankbaits that look like shad "black and white in color with some silver" Deep divers and top water zara "clear color" spooks Also used silver rooster tails
Comments: Been fishing the top water boils that appear only for a short time consistantly from about 5am to 7am and after that is slows down. Its been in about 5 to 50ft of water, with this extreme top water action. After 7 - 7:30am the boils are gone. Castle Creek is hot!
Name: warren risberg
Important notice: DON'T MOVE A MUSSEL. With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Lake Pleasant, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders (helps protect your boat as well). Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
ROOSEVELT LAKE - Lake Elevation is 2146 ft (94% full).
Tonto Creek runoff is at 61 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 791 cfs.
One nighttime angler mentioned a slow bite at Roosevelt, but he did catch about 20 largemouth bass and all were in the slot. The drop shot method and Texas rigged plastics worked well. Another fisherman mentioned top water poppers are working for him in the morning.
Another night angler caught over 40 fish using drop shots and crankbaits in the boils. When the bite slowed around 8:30pm he turned to Carolina rigged plastics and caught another 10-15 more. He caught 3 bass in the morning. Water temperature was 84 F and water clarity was 8-10 feet.
Fishing reports for Rosey has been a bit sparse, but some anglers are having luck with worms using the drop shot method; Texas rigged and Carolina rigged plastics thrown in the bushes is working as well. The frogs are out so try some frog imitations. Try Another thing that will get you some action is putting a cicada on a hook, don't use a weight, throw it as far as you can then let some more line out and slowly retrieve it. This works pretty good for shore anglers.
APACHE - Lake elevation is 1909 ft (95% full).
Anglers are catching bass and catfish in the Crabtree area. Worms are working pretty well and if you have minnows throw one of those in there. Don’t forget Apache is a very good yellow bass lake, with some absolute lunkers hanging out on the points where the substrate takes a dip. Look at your sonar and find out where they are hanging and throw Kastmasters if you have them. The silver and blue ones are working pretty well for anglers right now. You might come up with a walleye if you use shad like lures.
CANYON - Lake elevation is 1656 ft, which is 94% full.
I’m still hearing good things about Canyon Lake; water clarity is a bit low but fish are lively and healthy. Anglers are catching quite a few bluegill, bass and catfish. I even had an angler catch two rainbow trout. Some of the better fishing spots are Mormon Flat, Beaver Landing, and mouth of First Water and LaBarge Cove near the bridge. If you are shore fishing, Boulder recreation area has some real good fishing and convenient fishing access. Don’t forget we installed fishing habitat at Teddy bear, Beaver Landing and Mormon Flat. The structures are 25 feet below full lake level and they are evident on your sonar. Twenty five feet also happens to be in the thermocline when the lake is stratified.
Excellent fishing reported at Canyon Lake. A knowledgeable angler used 1/8 oz kastmasters and caught 68 fish. His fishing spots were at Beaver Landing, Teddy Bear Pt, and Beer Can Pt. The bite was pretty much over after 12:30pm. The tally was 41 yellow bass, most were between 8.5 and 11 inches, 17 bluegill most between 4-7 inches, 8 largemouth bass 4.5 to 8 inches, and 2 channel catfish 12 and 14 inches. Water clarity was poor but fish were lively and healthy.
Shore fishing at Canyon Lake is pretty good as well. A family used worms and caught quite a few bluegill and several catfish from the Acacia picnic site.
Angler report:
Where: Canyon Lake
When: 07/28/08
Caught: Channel Catfish, Yellow Bass
Technique: Caught: 2 lb. Channel Cat, 1 16" Yellow Bass Used: Topwater poppers, Booyah Swimmin' Jig, Red 1/8 Jig, Rainbow 1/8 Z-Ray and Nightcrawlers under Bobber or Carolina Rig Where: Teddy Bear Point, Acacia Picnic Site 20' Depth in Kayak *** Worms drifted onto or rocks under bobber with minimum weight ~ 3' down. No strikes on anything else. Did have a few Bluegill chase a quick moving small jig***
Comments: High Golden Algae Levels - Terrible Visibility Fished Teddy Bear Point, Acacia Picnic Site, ( could not find where beer can point was mentioned in the previous report, could not find a decent map ) Jet Ski's and Water Ski's showed up around 8AM
Name: Brenton Scott
SAGUARO - Lake elevation 1523 feet at 91% full.
A couple shore fishermen had some real good luck catching largemouth bass near Ramp 2. Just a note to the shore fishermen, there is fantastic catfish fishing from Ramp 2 to Keyhole as well. Butcher Jones is a real good area to shore fish for largemouth, catfish and yellow bass. Use kastmasters for the yellow bass, lipless, rattling crankbaits for the largemouth and whatever you got in the freezer that will stay on a hook for the catfish.
A couple fishermen reporting the bite was off a bit a Saguaro last week and they only caught 14 fish between the two of them. They used kastmasters and 1/16th oz jigs and caught 3 largemouth of varying sizes, 6 bluegill (two were 8 inches), 4 channel catfish and only 1 yellow bass. A couple good spots include Eagle's Grotto area, Skunks Wash and the Meadows. The water clarity was poor but all fish caught were healthy and spunky.
A couple anglers caught over 60 fish in about 7 hours. They caught mostly largemouth bass using kastmasters and bottom bumping a plastic worm on a jig heads. They also caught a fair number of bluegill, yellow bass and a couple channel catfish. These guys are avid fishermen and they noticed the largemouth bass are growing nicely.
Angler report:
Where: Saguaro
When: 07/25/08
Caught: Smallmouth Bass
Technique: Crankbait, worms, stinkbait
Comments: Fished from 7-9:30 at Butcher Jones and caught one smallmouth bass on large crankbait about 8:30. Used worms for bluegill and got zero bites! Switched to doughbait for cats with no success.
Name: Russell
Where: Saquaro
When: 07/27/08
Caught: Catfish, LM Bass, Bluegill
Technique: Rappala shad colored, small #4 crankbaits and worms for Bluegill. Thanks Sean for the tip on the small rappala crank baits, I did not lose the only one you left me on the shelf after you bought the whole stock at Sportsmans Warehouse.
Comments: Trolled the flats at day break for bass, caught 5 one pounders, release all in good shape. Caught a big, maybe 4 lb cat fish that was feeding on shad. When the heat started I fished a cove for some bluegills. This is a beautiful lake, I'm glad Game and Fish are trying to bring the fishing back by stocking this lake heavily.
Name: Grantman
BARTLETT - Lake elevation is 1789 ft, which is 87% full.
There are lots of blugill reported in the rocky areas along shore. Use small hooks baited with mealworms, crickets or small portions of earthworms on a bobber. If live bait isn’t your preference try using small (1/32 oz or smaller) jigs, tube jigs, grubs, spinnerbaits etc. Use ultra light line or braided line if you want as they are line shy.
One angler mentioned fishing was tough and he only caught 6 fish on his fishing trip. He did have success using plastics and jigs off the main lake points.
Another angler says the fishing is real good. Dropshot method, jigs and crankbait worked for him on 1-2 pounders. He also says to fish the points in about 20 feet of water. Bluegills are aggressive near shore around the rocky areas.
Anglers are having good luck catching flathead catfish on just about anything they throw out. Typically you catch them using live bait, they must be pretty Hungary to go after lures and plastic worms. Try throwing a decent sized minnow or better yet a waterdog and see what lunker hits your bait.
A couple fishermen caught some largemouth bass using drop shot method and crankbait, but no other details revealed except impressive lighting serving up some electrical perturbations. Be careful and cognizant of your surroundings when you are out there watching Mother Nature's lightning shows. Your fishing pole and metal lures make pretty good lightning rods; not to mention the fact that you are basically sitting in a big pool of highly conductive water.
Angler report:
Where: Bartlett
When: 07/24/08
Caught: Largemouth, bluegill
Technique: Grubs, plastic worms. The bite was real strange. Hitting mainly off of submerged rocky areas..
Comments: Few fish caught, I caught 3 myself biggest being 3 lbs or so, and he could JUMP. My buddy caught 3 as well, a 3 1/2 lb and a 4 1/2 - 5 lber, and one more small one. my third friend caught 2 little blue gill. Heck of a day overall. Fish the early mornings
Name: John L Dowden
Where: Bartlett - The Flats
When: 07/24/08
Caught: 3 Crappie, 4 Largemouth, 1 monster flathead (10lb)
Technique: For the crappie go for small crankbaits. For your Largemouth, drop shot darker colored 4" worms. The flathead hit a night crawler off the bottom.
Comments: Going back out on Friday to give it another go! Side note... If you're into photography and like snapping pictures of lightning, you'll likely capture some impressive shots out at Bartlett--be careful though.
Name: D.N.
Where: Bartlett - Flats
When: 07/26/08
Caught: Bluegill & Channel Cats (all very small)
Technique: Dropshot - 4" worm (Bluegill) Hotdogs (marinated) & bait shrimp (marinate)
Comments: Bluegills were aggressive with anything close to shore. The Cats would've eaten anything, probably. If you're looking to get into some bass or crappie, head north of the flats a bit and you'll find them.
Name: D.N.
SAN CARLOS LAKE – No report
HORSESHOE - Lake elevation is at 1985 feet, which is 25% full. They are releasing water at 400 cfs.
VERDE RIVER - Verde River flow at Tangle is 152 cubic feet per second. Release from Bartlett Lake is 400 cfs.
Angler report:
Where: Verde River, Cottonwood
When: 07/14/08
Caught: 2-bullheads, 1-carp, 1-bass 2lb, 2-channel cats 3-4lbs
Technique: The river was muddy so I used worms and chicken liver on the bottom like I always do under conditions like those.
Comments: I am also catching more turtles than usual including one very agitated snapping turtle. All fish and turtles were released.
Name: Tim
SALT RIVER - Salt River into Roosevelt is 791 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 717 cfs. They are releasing 1025 cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.
LOWER SALT RIVER (below Saguaro Lake)
No more trout stocking for the summer, but you can still catch bass, catfish, carp and sunfish. Worms are a good all around bait and jigs will work for the sunfish and bass. Corn will entice the carp. Its cicada season, so try putting one of them on your hook and throw it out as far as you can, let the current take it a bit then slowly reel it in. No weight on the line though. Try it around overhanging vegetation. You can also catch roundtail chub in the deep water around Coon Bluff, Phon D. Sutton and Granite reef areas. They will hang out in the pools. You can catch them with trout lures, Kastmasters, Meps or worms. The tubers typically take out near blue point so if you fish downstream there won't be as many of the tubers in your way. Make sure you have your Tonto Pass which can be purchased from a variety of convenience stores including, circle K's and Big Five Sporting Goods stores.
CREEKS - Terrestrial patterns are still working well according to the fishermen and fishing supply vendors.
Haigler Creek - Dry flies, cicada patterns, ant patterns and hoppers are doing well for fly fishermen right now.
Canyon Creek - Try terrestrial patterns such as cicada, ants and hoppers. One angler caught a 14 inch wild rainbow on a hopper.
Tonto Creek - Terrestrial patterns including hoppers, ant patterns and cicadas are all working pretty well.
Christopher Creek - Trout are hitting terrestrial patterns. If you catch a bass keep it they need to be fished out.
East Verde - Terrestrial patterns
Workman Creek - Terrestrials
HORSETHIEF BASIN LAKE - Lake Level is up, fishing is nominal.
Colorado River Northwest
LAKE POWELL - Lake Elevation: 3633 Water Temp: 80-85 F
July 23, 2008
By Wayne Gustaveson
Lake Powell has topped out at 3633. It was great run while filling 45 feet and we are sorry to see it stop, BUT there are some good things that come with stability and falling water levels. When the lake declines a foot, camping and beach use will be so much better. It will be all right to go barefoot again without the threat of tumbleweed stickers. Beaches will feature much more sand for playing and parking boats.
Fishing will improve for bass that have found a home in flooded green brush. Stability will allow a definitive pattern to develop and make anglers more successful when fishing around brush. It will help that shad have grown larger and are hiding in that brush alongside sunfish. Fishing with surface lures will be the rule instead of the exception. Shad imitating baits of all kinds will work each morning and evening.
Smallmouth fishing around rocks, points and ledges will continue to be good. It will be easier to define spots where bass may be holding. Once a good spot is found it will be possible to return there and find the same fish holding there for a week or two. In the past, fishing spots were gone within a day when the lake rose over a foot. Bass fishing is going to be very good during August and September.
There is no waiting for great striper fishing. Stability has allowed the water to clear up in the northern lake. Stripers have found shad and boils have commenced in grand fashion. From Bullfrog upstream and in the San Juan expect to find boils every morning and evening, weather permitting. Wind will often blow the boils away but they return in larger magnitude as soon as the wind stops.
These are real boils now in the northern lake. That means shad are larger and stripers have to work harder to capture their prey. School behavior is more aggressive. Casting precision is not quite as important. Long casts are still required. A full size surface lure landing in the middle of the melee will no longer spook the entire school. A big lure will be readily accepted and fought over if the first fish misses. Schools will not be quite as boat shy but it will still require knowing how close the boat can be to feeding fish without putting them down.
Boils are still small and scattered in the southern lake. Hopefully, these boils will get bigger and stronger with darker nights now that the moon is waning. This week expect to see small groups of stripers surfacing quickly and moving rapidly. These will more likely be "ghost boils" (can see but not catch) and not the real thing.
A recent report of trolling with shad raps and hot-n-tots in the back of Navajo Canyon produced walleye, bass and crappie. The depth was 20 feet and water was murky. It seems like a spring time pattern may be paying off in the back of the canyons. It may be worth a try.
LEES FERRY – From Lees Ferry Anglers
Thursday, July 24th, 2008
Report by: Natalie Jensen
Today’s Fish rating Upriver: 7.50
Walk-In: N/A
Key: 1 = Go fish somewhere else 10 = Rent a helicopter and get here now!
Today’s Weather: Partly cloudy with hot temperatures ranging from the upper 70’s to an afternoon high around 103 degrees. With a continuing of Isolated thunderstorms throughout our region we have experience a good deal of humidity.
Today’s Crowd Rating: Upriver: 2.0 Walk In: 1.0
Key: 1 = Sleep late and fish where you want. 10 = Very crowded, get up early!
Today’s Fly Fishing: I received only a couple of reports. I can tell you this however, that even in spite of the recent increase in daily water releases the fishing continues to be above average. Most are catching good numbers of trout throughout the day. Our river is currently in top shape, with an abundance of fry, high nutrient levels, plenty of food, and oxygen rich. The ingredients for strong, fast growing trout seem to be the talk of the river as of late. These river conditions are some of the best we have seen in 10 or more years. We are however still drifting. It is sometimes a little work for all but a definite way to work the river with higher water. The flies to bring are big scuds, san juans, and large dries. You may want to cover certain areas with a dry dropper rig while using a large dry, which is still very likely to turn a trout from down under. The cicada activity has subsided be we are still observing top water activity.
Walk in: Sorry no new reports. This area has very low pressure and is a great body of water. Stop in at the fly shop and get all the latest information on where to go and what to throw.
Spin Fishing: Stop in and pick up some egg patterns and ask us about the recommended rig and best areas to fish. The marabou jigs are also working. We do have maps available in the fly shop as well.
Fishing Synopsis and Forecast by Terry Gunn 7/26/08
Recent Fishing: The Cicadas began singing in June and by early July the trout were starting to key on this winged meal. The hatch was normal by historical standards but not the “bumper crop” of last year. The numbers of cicadas are such that the fish are feeding on them near the rocky shores but not in the middle of the river like last summer. It is always a treat to catch Lees Ferry trout on big dry flies; July and August is the time to do it. The cicadas appear to be declining as their life cycle is short but there will be some flying around for the rest of the summer and the fish will continue keying on them even as the cicadas die off. The cicada fishing is always best on cloudy or overcast days.
Drifting from the boat with heavy nymph rigs has been very productive! The high flows of summer restrict the areas that are productive to wade but open up vast areas that are productive to the drifting angler. We have been having terrific success with scuds and San Juan worms, attached to 10 to 15-ft leaders, with heavy shot and a strike indicator. The key to success is to stay over fish, get the flies down to the bottom, and get a long, perfect dead drift.
If you can take the heat; the summer is a very productive time to fish the Ferry and provides the most consistent and least crowded fishing of the entire year.
I recently heard the spawn this year was 10X normal. I have never seen so many fry and small trout in the river.
LAKE MEAD – Lake Mead water levels have held steady as the elevation is currently at around 1,105 feet above msl. Nighttime Striper fishing has been really good again. Anglers using artificial lights were catching as many 13 to 18-inch stripers as they wanted to clean. Catfishing under lights was also very productive using anchovies. Artificial lights tend to be most productive if fished with a new moon. August 1st,2008 is the new moon so trolling crankbaits during the day should be good now and begin to drop off a little in the coming weeks, but the night bite should be great. Launching conditions at South Cove have continued to deteriorate with the dropping water. The new concrete ramp the National Park Service just completed is one lane with buoys marking the edges. Use caution not to go off the sides of the metal extensions at either side. National Park Service is working to keep the ramp open.
Important notice: With the recent discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
LAKE MOHAVE –The fishing for small striper’s has been pretty good. Try using cut anchovies at night. If you have submersible lights try using them around the new moon. The lake has dropped a little and is running at 641 feet above msl. The stripers seen in the fall were fat and full of shad, with schools of shad being chased by striped bass. No sign of shad this year so far. If you can find schools of shad, throw a small crankbait.
Biologists from both Arizona Game and Fish Department and Nevada Division of Wildlife have continued to install fish habitat in both Carp cove and Box cove. The largemouth, bluegill, and catfish are really utilizing the new structures. Additional habitat will be added at several locations over the next two years. These structures are fish magnets.
There is a wheelchair accessible fishing pier just south of the main launch ramp at Katherine's Landing. If you fish Mohave and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
Important notice: With the recent discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
WILLOW BEACH - Trout are stocked every Friday. The fishing for trout has been good from shore immediately following the stocking. Try using a Jake, Panther Martin, or other spinner’s or spoons. If that doesn’t work you can always use Power Bait. The striper fishing has been picking up. As the water in the basin of Lake Mohave warms, the bigger fish move into the colder water in the Willow beach area. The new fishing dock is open for fishing.
Important notice: With the recent discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see. If you fish Willow beach and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
TOPOCK MARSH –No new reports - Water level is up, but still be careful while launching. The catfish are biting on night crawlers and anchovies. Bass bite is still not bad. Crappies have shut down. Try night crawlers or anchovies for catfish.
Game and Fish biologists surveyed the Marsh starting on the week of Jan. 15. The largemouth bass population was observed to be very healthy, as well as channel catfish. Crappie were also present, but in smaller numbers.
You can access the marsh by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. All three also provide plenty of area for shoreline fishing too. For more information on the marsh, contact the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge at (760) 326-3853 or go to http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/havasu/index.html.
Important notice: With the recent discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM –The striper bite has been slow. Trout were last stocked on March 24-25. This was the last trout stocking until next winter.
Water levels on the river fluctuate, so be careful. You can check the Bureau of Reclamation Web site for flow predictions http://www.usbr.gov/lc/riverops.html before you go. If you fish the river below Davis Dam and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
Important notice: With the recent discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
Southwestern Arizona
Recent Reports from Fishermen/Wildlife Managers:
Lake Havasu Fishing Report - Lake Level 448.30 feet
Average daytime water temp 86-92 degrees.
The striper bite is fair, with some early morning top-water action around reefs and points. Early morning casting and trolling with smaller baits, such as the Trophy Minnow jerk bait, ¾-oz Rat-L-Traps; use white before sunrise and then switch to Chrome Blue after the sun comes up. Bottom-fishing with cut anchovies and sardines in 30-55 foot of water is working throughout the day.
Large and smallmouth bass fishing is good now. There is some top-water action happening in the pre-dawn hours with small popper baits such as the Bubble Pop and Pop-X that create splashes and bursts of water when they are twitched in a rhythmic pattern during the retrieve. The Zara spook Jr. in Okie Shad and Bone are the go-to colors, with this rattle-producing top-water walking-type bait. The afternoon frog and nest raider bite is good right now. Flipping and pitching these baits at the bases and into the notches of the tules or working them over the top of weed patches and letting them drop off the edge are producing explosive blow-ups and bites. |
This Report was provided by Debbie Blanchard
Anglers Pro Shop
Lake Havasu City
SUMMER OUTLOOK:
Bass caught at Alamo LakeAlamo Lake:
The lake elevation continues to be good, presently 1121 feet. Alamo Lake has had a couple years of good reproduction, and the fishing should be excellent for largemouth bass and crappie. There are a fair number of bass over the protected slot, and a couple of strong year classes of smaller bass that have grown into, or are just about to enter the slot. We believe that the bass population would benefit from a higher harvest of the smaller bass. Fishing for channel catfish is expected to excellent this year. Our netting surveys indicate there are incredible numbers of smaller catfish in the upper portion of the lake. Given the ideal water levels all of the boat ramps will be useable this summer.
The store at the lake has not yet opened, so you need to bring everything with you. If you run short of supplies, you might be able to pick it up at the Wayside Inn in Wayside, or in Wenden. The certified scale that was located at the store is now located at the Alamo State Park office. The Park office also carries live bait.
Angler report:
Well folks; not a lot has changed this week. Hot and windy. I got a phone call from a guy that went out bass fishing at 8 this morning and was off the water by noon and only caught 2 bass. Both were in 20 feet of water, and were caught on plastics. A twin tailed grub and a green lizard were the baits of choice. I still think the best bass fishing is in the evenings. I go out around 5, figure out wind direction, and hide behind a point. You can pull 5 to 6 bass off of every point. I'm still averaging about 10 a night which I think is pretty slow. I can not buy a fish on a crankbait so I stick with what works. Red flaked lizards and wolly hog tails. Brush hogs will work too. I will say that the fish I've been catching are on the upper side of the slot and couple going 4 pounds. No boils to speak of. I have no clue as to what's up with that. Everything is late this year. Crappie fishing up by the dam has become a bust. Try the coves and points between the main ramp and Cholla. I talked to a couple of guys that caught 80 crappies. They were fishing in the upper end of the lake on the North side past the first buoy line. It was a late night bite and they said they had to really work for them. Although they caught fish I would still give crappie fishing a big thumbs down until I hear of more people catching them. I turned a friend of mine on to a honey hole and there going to give it a try tonight. If they do well then I'll be able to point out better areas to fish. So for all of you in Las Vegas that have been calling, stay put, save your money, and tune in next week for more details. No reports on shore fishing. The lake level is at 1121 with releases of 50 cfs(I think) and both ramps are working just fine. Remember sun block and bug spray. Report courtesy Mark Knapp with the Alamo Lake State Park.
Where: alamo lake
When: 07/28/08
Caught: bass,catfish,blue gill, crappie,carp
Technique: plastic lizards,macro,blue gill,minnows,crawlers
Comments: myself and Ernie Castro, & Danny Castro caught 4 bass,5 crappie,1 10lb carp,6 catfish including the highlight of the night, a 14lb 35inch flathead cat at about 12:20am Sunday. Ernie caught it on a live blue gill caught there at the lake.He jumped up and down when he seen it. Its by far the biggest cat weve ever caught at alamo. We found a great spot and are looking forward to going back. Remember, always watch your kids around water.
Name: Raul Montoya
Where: Alamo Lake
When: 07/27/08
Caught: 11 largemouths
Technique: 5" kaitlins, chartreuse, salt and pepper, and purple color
Comments: Carolina rigged,walked the shore casting next to trees. I was with two frineds one caught five bass the other caught seven on pumpkinseed 6" lizards
Name: Vance Jenkins
Lake Havasu & Topock Gorge:
Fishing for largemouth bass, as well as smallmouth bass, is expected to be good to excellent. The size will range from 13 inches and up, with an occasional fish greater than 4 pounds. A 12-pounder was landed this spring. Striped bass will continue to be excellent for small fish (12-18 inches), with occasional fish over 8 pounds. Fishing for channel catfish, as well as bluegill and large redear sunfish, will be fair to good. If your interest is flathead catfish, fishing should be fair at the lower end of the lake (the Bill Williams River arm) late in June, and on through the summer. Flathead catfish in Lake Havasu have been caught as large as 40 pounds, although they can potentially become much larger.
Colorado River (Parker Strip Area, between Parker Dam and Headgate Rock):
Fishing is expected to be good to excellent for smallmouth bass, with fish over two pounds in size common. The best smallmouth bass fishing can be found in the upper half of the Parker Strip, while largemouth bass are more numerous in the lower half, in very respectable numbers. In addition, redear sunfish should also be good to excellent in the pound-plus sizes. Our surveys last fall turned up good numbers of redear sunfish in the two-pound range. That is dinner-plate sized, folks! Channel and flathead catfish are always fair to good in this section of the Colorado River.
Colorado River (between Palo Verde Diversion Dam and Walter's Camp):
This area should be fair for both smallmouth bass (in the channel) up river from the I-10 Bridge and largemouth bass (in the backwaters) throughout the entire area. Channel and flathead catfish are always fair to good in this section of the Colorado River. Most of the flathead catfish will be smaller ones, in the 2 to 5 pound size range, with an occasional fish over 20 pounds. Our annual surveys in the spring each year generally turn up a couple of fish in the 40 to 50 pound range, so trophy flatheads are always a possibility. Look for large deep pools formed at eddies for the larger fish. The best time for fishing for both species of catfish will be all summer and on into the fall months. Generally, the hotter the weather is, the better the cat-fishing. Nighttime is the best time to go after both species of catfish.
Colorado River (between Walter's Camp and Picacho State Park):
This section of the Colorado River is relatively remote, and can only be accessed by boat from either end. Fishing is expected to be good to excellent for flathead catfish with sizes reaching over 40 pounds. The best time will be summer and on into the fall months. The hotter the temperature the better the fishing is. The various backwaters will be good for largemouth bass and other sunfish (bluegill & redear). Other species available in the main river are smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and striped bass.
Colorado River (between Picacho State Park and Imperial Dam):
This area is expected to be good to excellent for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Bass and channel catfish in excess of 5 pounds are relatively numerous, along with flathead catfish as large as 40 pounds. Our survey this spring turned up an 89-pound monster that should still be lurking in the waters where it was found. Bluegill are also present in the various backwaters. Occasional striped bass will be caught in the main river channel, especially near Imperial Dam. Fishermen did quite well on small stripers this spring between Martinez Lake and Imperial Dam.
Colorado River (between Laguna and Morelos dams):
This area will be good for largemouth bass and flathead catfish. Accessing the water can be a problem, as river flows are much lower than historically, and launching a boat can be a challenge. Accessibility to the river is dependent on the amount of water being released upstream. A small shallow-draft boat or float tube should get you into some good fishing. Bass in excess of 5 pounds are common, and larger ones definitely exist. Flathead catfish over 20 pounds are also a good bet in the deeper pools. The lower end has had some dredging work done, and larger boats may be able to get on the river in that area.
Because of the increase in border issues and illegal activity on the lower end of this stretch of the river, we recommend using extreme caution while fishing the area from Pilot Knob to Morelos Dam.
If I were to pick a hot fishing area for summer in the Yuma region, I would have to go with the Colorado River below the Palo Verde Diversion Dam (near Blythe), all the way down to Imperial Dam (near Yuma) for flathead catfish. There is an incredible amount of flathead catfish biomass in the river. In seven days of survey this spring, we handled (and released) a total of 2500 pounds of flathead catfish. Another good bet would be Alamo Lake. It should be good to excellent for largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish, with the bluegill fishery also picking up.
If you need any additional information or additional areas covered don't hesitate to contact the Yuma Regional office, at (928) 342-0091, and we will be happy to accommodate you.
North Central Region
Note: Northern Pike have been illegally stocked in Francis Short. If you catch a Northern Pike at Francis Short Pond please REMOVE IT FROM THE POND.
WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE — Campground area is open. Fishing was fair over the weekend. Try Pistol Petes for crappie.
CATARACT LAKE — Campground is open. Fishing for trout and catfish was good. Stocked with catfish.
CITY RESERVOIR — Road is open. Lake is full. Stocked with catfish.
DOGTOWN LAKE — Campground area is open. Lots of folks are catching crayfish. Some browns are being caught on lures.
JD DAM — Road is open.
RUSSEL TANK - Has been stocked
SANTA FE — Lake is full. Anglers are catching trout and yellow perch. Stocked with catfish
WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers. Campground area is open.
FLAGSTAFF LAKES:
LOWER LAKE MARY — A fish kill has occurred. There may not be any fish left.
UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full. Some Pike are being caught on anchovies.
Angler report:
Where: Upper Lake Mary
When: 07/29/08
Caught: 9 perch, 2 bluegill
Technique: fished off shore with split shot sinker and Canadian worms on bottom
Comments: Got caught on bottom a few times but caught 9 perch all about 6-10 inches
Name: Brian Camilli
ASHURST LAKE — The lake is full, the road is open.
Angler report:
Where: Ashurst Lake
When: 07/26/08
Caught: Nothing.
Technique: Trolled and cast spinners, spoons, dragged wooly worms and drowned powerbait. Not a single bite in ten hours. Saw a few hundred fishermen but saw only one (1) actual trout caught ALL day. This lake is completely depleted of catchable fish and in desperate need of better management. It is beautiful, but there are no fish to be caught. Heavy pressure, not enough stockers. Waste of time and precious gas to get there.
FRANCIS SHORT POND – A fish kill has occurred caused by a die-off of an algal bloom which reduced oxygen levels in the water. Some fish survived the kill, but fishing will be tough until the lake gets stocked after water quality improves.
KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road Open.
MARSHALL LAKE — Road Open.
OAK CREEK — Fishing is fair. A few small rainbow trout are being caught on flies. Scheduled to be stocked this week.
Pike caught at Long LakeLONG LAKE — Lake is open. Water level is good. Lake has been stocked. Some nice fish being caught near the ditch.
SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open.
Angler report:
Where: Soldier Lake
When: 07/19/08
Caught: Nada
Technique: Believe lake had TOTAL FISH KILL due to algae. Fished an hour or so at dawn with no strikes. When the sun was up enough, I realized water was cloudy with floating algae particles throughout. No surface activity at dusk nor dawn. No baitfish swimming around. Dead crawfish litter the shore. Shame.
BEAVER CREEK — No report.
WEST CLEAR CREEK — No report.
STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.
MINGUS LAKE – The seasonal gate across the access road is open. Mingus was stocked on June 16th. This was the last scheduled stocking until September, but angler’s continue to catch fish. The best bait has been white Powerbait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Fishermen using night crawlers under a bobber are also having some success more than one month after the last stocking.
Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago. These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low. If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline. Illegal stockings cost YOU money!
DEAD HORSE STATE PARK –Largemouth bass fishing has slowed a little. Try using small plastic jigs, plastic worms, or small spinnerbaits near deeper cover. Catfish stocked June 9th. The catfish bite has been pretty good in the evening. Some angler’s are having limited success in the day.
Bluegills are very abundant, but most are small. This is a great opportunity to teach kids how to fish. Try using a #12 hook with a small piece of worm under a bobber and you should have success. While the crappie numbers are up a little, most are small. Look for the crappie fishing to be good late this year or next year.
VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) –Channel catfish action is starting to pick up in the Verde Valley. Most success on catfish is by using night crawlers and chicken liver after dusk. Look for the bass to be biting early morning and in the evening.
LYNX LAKE — Catfish were stocked June 9th and again on June 25th. Trout were stocked the week of June 16th. This was the last scheduled stocking until the fall. The fishing has been slow. One angler reported catching a two pound rainbow with a worm under a bobber on a slow retrieve. Silver Kastmasters and panther martins have also had some success. With the water warming trout will become increasingly hard to catch, but for now some veteran anglers report trout still biting. Try using night crawlers or hot dogs for the catfish.
Game and Fish Biologists installed PVC fish structures on Jan. 3. These structures should protect small fishes from predation. Some 7-inch brook trout were in February and 5-inchers in September. Game and Fish stocked catfish the week of June 4. There were 200 pounds of bluegill stocked on March 29. Game and Fish biologists surveyed Lynx in May and found that the brook trout stocked in September 2006 were still present.
FAIN LAKE — No new reports - Catfish and sunfish were stocked the week of June 23rd. Try using night crawlers for the catfish. The sunfish will bite on meal worms or small worms. Panther Martins are working well for the sunfish. The lake has some debris from the recent rains. Fain lake was last stocked with rainbow trout the week of June 16th. This is the last trout stocking scheduled until September. For trout try using spinners or bright colored power bait. Fain lake was stocked with brook trout on Feb. 25.
GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout were stocked last week, the week of July 21st. One angler reported that Gold Kastmasters were working excellent in the morning. While there is no shortage of fish, most people report catching only one or two fish. Try using KastMasters. If that does not work you may try worms or Power Bait. Early in the morning and in the evening the bite may be a little better. Some days the fishing seems to be better than other days as well. The next trout stocking is scheduled for the week of July 21st. The water temperature is 76?F on the surface. If the temperature continues to increase we will postpone scheduled stockings until the spring when the water cools. Bluegills were stocked Feb 25. Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March. On July 11th a 26 lbs catfish was caught on a hotdog. While the number of catfish is low, the quality is exceptional.
Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater during the middle of May 2007 and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish and bass was low, the quality was exceptional. One 16-pound catfish was sampled and released. The bass averaged about 3.5 pounds. On March 29, 2007, there were 400 pounds of bluegill stocked. These fish were hand-sized and should be easily caught. Try using worms or mealworms on a bobber. Small spinners may work as well. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
Mogollon Rim
CHEVELON LAKE - Fishing is poor to fair for fly and spin anglers. This is a hike-in lake via a steep slope. There is not a lot of shore access. It is best fished from a float tube, inflatable or canoe. The lake is open to artificial lure and flies only, trout between 10 and 14 inches may not be possessed, and the bag limit is six trout. Try lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, spinners, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, and other small nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
BEAR CANYON LAKE - Fishing is fair for rainbow trout. The best bite is at first and last light. This is a hike-in lack down short but steep and winding paths. There is pretty good shore access. This deep canyon lake is great for those with float tubes. Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, Z-rays, Super Dupers, and Rapalas and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ear and pheasant tail nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
BLACK CANYON LAKE -- The lake can't be stocked during the hot summer months of June, July, and August because of algae blooms, high water temperatures, and high pH levels. The lake will be stocked during the first week in September. Fishing is fair. The lake is down about one foot and the boat ramp is accessible. The best bite is at first and last light. Boat anglers have been catching trout on green and yellow Power Bait.
Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, or flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and Yeager buggers.
BLUE RIDGE — Road is open.
Angler report:
Where: Blue Ridge Reservoir
When: 07/25/08
Caught: Rainbow Trout
Technique: Yellow/Black Roostertail Black/Red Panther Martin Neon Yellow Z-Ray
Comments: Spinners from a boat worked pretty well in the afternoon near the dam. Weather was mostly cloudy, light wind. Let spinners sink about 10-15ft before a moderate retrieve. Also tried next morning--full sun and no wind, and no luck either.
Name: Scott Townley
KNOLL LAKE — Fishing was good.
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE - The lake is down. Fishing is fair to good. The best fishing is at first and last light, or just before rain showers hit. It was stocked with catchable size rainbow trout. Anglers have been catching trout using cowbells with attached worms, lures, and flies. Trout have been active at the surface down to 15 feet during early morning and evening hours.
Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as Z-rays, spinners, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, and nymphs in black, brown, or green colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
This lake also has largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and small crappie. The best fishing for these warmer water species is in the early afternoons after the trout bite typically slows to nothing.
WOODS CANYON - Fishing is fair to good. Stocked weekly. The lake is full. The best fishing is at first and last light, or right before rainstorms.
Boat anglers are catching trout by trolling KastMasters and Panther Martins. Also try trolling cowbells with attached worms, lures, and flies. Trout have been active at the surface down to 10 feet early in the morning and late in the evening.
By the way, this lake has plentiful crayfish -- bring along a bucket and get a passel of crayfish to augment your trout dinner and turn your camping adventure into a five-star dining experience.
For rainbows, try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, small spoons (Super Dupers, and Z-rays), and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, Peacock ladies, and nymphs in black, brown, or green colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
There is a store and marina at this lake - you can rent a boat.
Angler report:
Where: Woods canyon, River reservoir, Big Lake
When: 07/17/08
Caught: Rainbow trout, Apache trout
Technique: Fishing from shore at woods Canyon, caught one rainbow, using worms suspended from a float. No luck at River reservoir but Big lake was great as usual, trolling with cow bells and worms hooked 7 and landed 4 nice rainbows within three hours, as usual weather is an issue up there, but it was not that bad.
Comments: Also saw Bald eagles (two)frolicking over Cresent lake when leaving Big lake.
Name: Travis Aldrich
Where: Woods canyon
When: 07/21/08
Caught: only 5 trout in 5 days
Technique: We fished everything, from July 21 to the 25th, we tried worms, power bait, lures (all types)and threw every thing in the tackle box. I was the only one who caught fish with a slow sinking fly in the early mornings with a fly rod.
Comments: The weather was beautiful, Rain and Hail every evening, good mornings for fishing, the water was a little warm and murky because of that rain. Fishing was prob. some of the worst I've seen since coming to woods canyon every year for over 10 years. The only people catching fish were in a boat and even then it was slow. Every once in a while some one fishing from the bank would find a sweet spot and catch 3-4 in a row then....nothing. My 3 boys fished that lake for every day for 5 days and tried everything. we even walked around to Tuckers cove (the cove to the North East)and didn't catch any with only a few nibbles. My fly rod didn't fail me with slow sinking flys, but I do believe bank fishing was the worst this go around, plus the fish weren’t even jumping which I thought was weird...maybe it was a combination of things ...there was just an over abundance of food, water warm causing lethargy, making the fish go deeper??
Name: Robert
White Mountains
NOTE: State Highway 261 is open to Big Lake and Crescent Lake, as well as most main Forest roads, including the road to Reservation Lake on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
State Highway 273 on the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest is undergoing reconstruction and realignment and the following closures are in effect from the Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary to Crescent Lake, which is closed to all traffic, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will remain closed until the road construction project is complete.
BECKER LAKE -- Fishing is good. The lake is down about four feet but the boat ramp is accessible. Fish off the bottom along weed beds and retrieve your fly slowly. Sometimes an ant hatch occurs at Becker so try a black ant pattern in size 18-20.
The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a two-trout limit. Try small lures such as Super Dupers, spinners, and Z-rays. Fly-Fishers have been catching 10- to 18-inch rainbow trout. Try small nymphs such as zebra midges, scuds, pheasant tails, zug bugs, prince nymphs, wooly worms and wooly buggers, dragon fly patterns, peacock ladies, and brown Montana stone nymphs. Fish deep and slow. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10hp. gas motors.
BIG LAKE - Fishing is fair to good with the best bite at first and last light or while rain clouds are building up. Anglers have been catching rainbow and brook trout on worms, Power Bait (yellow) and salmon eggs. Boat anglers are doing well using cowbells with an attached worm, lure or fly.
The store is open and there are boat rentals here. The launch ramps are in the water, but Railroad Cove may still be fairly shallow for launching larger boats.
By the way, Big Lake is not stocked during spring and summer - it is stocked in the fall with a couple hundred thousand fingerling trout. The trout you catch here are close to being wild. On any given day, Big Lake can be the best trout lake in the state. There is a store and boat rentals available and some of the prettiest scenery in Arizona.
Main access roads are open, including Highway 261 from Eager/Springerville. State Highway 273 from the Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary to Crescent Lake is closed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will remain closed until the road construction project is completed. Fishing is good. The lake is up about 3 feet from last year, but still 3.4 feet below spill. All boat ramps accessible, however, Railroad cove may still be fairly shallow for launching larger boats.
CARNERO LAKE - Fishing is good, but the lake is very weedy. Try fishing the open water areas. As the summer progresses, the weeds will be a problem for anglers.
The lake is open to lure and flies only, barbless hooks, and a two-trout bag limit. Try small lures such as spinners and spoons (Super Dupers and Z-rays), and flies such as wooly worms, peacock ladies, small nymphs such as hares ear, pheasant tails, prince nymphs, zug bugs, damsel fly and dragon fly nymph patterns, and midge patterns. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair. Fishing for warm water fish such as bass, sunfish and catfish should also be picking up. The east side boat ramp is accessible and the only ramp to use. The old boat ramp is blocked off and no longer usable.
|Try worms, Power Bait, Salmon eggs, and lures such as spinners, Z-rays, crankbaits, and Rapalas, and flies such as woolly worms or wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. There are no motor restrictions on Clear Creek Reservoir.
CONCHO LAKE - Fishing is fair. The boat ramp is accessible. Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, Z-Rays, and Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10hp. gas motors.
CRESCENT LAKE - Fishing is fair to good. Crescent Lake experienced a winter kill; however the lake has been restocked with over 14,000 catchable size brook trout in the last week of April and first week of May. Crescent was also stocked with almost 5000 catchable rainbow trout in mid-May.
Highway 261 to Big and Crescent Lakes is open. Highway 273 from the Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation is open to Forest road 87 but is closed beyond the 273/87 junction to Crescent Lake 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, due to continuing road construction.
Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, Z-rays, Super Dupers, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, and small nymphs like prince and zug bugs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors or up to 10 hp. gas motors. The only boat ramp accessible is the south boat ramp.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE - Fishing is fair to good. The lake should have been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout last week. The lake is down about 1-1.5feet and the boat ramps are accessible. The water clarity is slightly turbid. Fool Hollow Lake has been stocked with sub catchable and catchable (1.5-2 pound) channel catfish.
For kids, try fishing one of the fishing piers for bluegills. Use a small piece of night crawler on a small hook and small to no weight straight down 1-3 feet under the fishing pier. Kids have been catching bluegill and crappie using this technique all times of day.
Anglers have been catching smallmouth and largemouth bass, plus walleyes on lures (crankbaits, plastic jigs with attached worms, and Rapalas) at the dam and along the east arm of the lake. Try fishing around structures such as rocks, trees, stumps, and fishing piers.
Shore anglers are catching rainbow trout on worms and Power Bait (chartreuse green and pumpkin colors) in the southwest area of the lake. Channel catfish are being caught on worms and stinkbaits. Bluegills and black crappies have been caught around the fishing piers on worms and small flies.
GREER LAKES -- Fishing is fair to good. All three reservoirs have been stocked with rainbow trout. All reservoirs are very low. All boat ramps are still accessible except at River Reservoir - do not try to launch there.
Anglers are catching rainbow trout on worms and Power Bait (green and yellow) at Bunch, Tunnel, and River Reservoir.
Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, Z-rays, Super Dupers, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs. Bunch and Tunnel Reservoir are open to electric trolling motors only. River Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
HULSEY LAKE -Fishing is fair. Try worms fished deep under a bobber or on the bottom. Hulsey Lake is open to electric trolling motors only, but small boats would have to be carried down the short hiking trail to the lake. During the hot summer months, try fishing early in the morning and late in the evening.
Try worms fished deep under a bobber or on the bottom. Hulsey Lake is open to electric trolling motors only, but small boats would have to be carried down the short hiking trail to the lake.
LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR - The roads to Lee Valley Lake are still closed. Highway 273 from the Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation is still closed due to continuing road construction and is closed just north of the junction of Highway 273 and Highway 261.
LUNA LAKE - Fishing is fair. The lake is down about 1 foot and the boat ramp is accessible. Anglers have been catching some nice sized trout at the dam on worms, lures, and flies. Boat anglers have been catching trout on Panther Martin spinners and yellow Crickhopper lures. There is an algae bloom present in the lake.
Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, Z-rays, Super Dupers, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
LYMAN LAKE - Fishing is fair for catfish. The water is turbid. Anglers have been catching channel catfish on worms and stink baits and largemouth bass on lures.
Try worms, Power Bait, catfish stink baits, and lures such as spinners, crankbaits, and Rapalas.
The Lyman Lake recreation area is managed by Lyman Lake State Park and camping is available. There are also some new cabins for rent.
There is fish consumption advisory here, so check with the State Parks Office at the lake for details. Also contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Region 1 Office at (928) 367-4281. There are no motor restrictions on Lyman Lake.
NELSON RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair. The lake is down about 1 foot and the main boat ramp by the dam is accessible. The lake was stocked with catchable size rainbow trout in May. Use the boat ramp near the dam, as the ramp at the upper end of the lake will put boaters into thick weeds. Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, Super Dupers, Z-rays, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, prince nymphs, zug bugs, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors. During the hot summer months, try fishing early in the morning and late in the evening. There is an algae bloom present in the lake.
RAINBOW LAKE - Fishing is fair. Sub catchable and catchable (1.5-2 pound) channel catfish were stocked in early June. The lake is down about 1.5 feet and the boat ramp is accessible. As summer progresses, weeds will become a problem.
Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as Z-rays, spinners, crank baits, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, and peacock ladies.
Anglers are catching bullheads on night crawlers from the fishing pier.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10hp. gas motors.
SCOTTS RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair to good. The lake is nearly full and the boat ramp is accessible. Anglers have been catching trout, bass, and channel catfish on worms.
Try worms, Power Bait, and salmon eggs, lures such as Super Dupers, Z-rays, spinners, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and prince nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. Recent surveys revealed good numbers of rainbow trout (average size, 11 inches), fair number of largemouth bass (average size, 12 inches), and some nice sized channel catfish (average size, 25 inches). The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
SHOW LOW LAKE - Fishing is fair to good. This lake should have been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout week before last. The lake is about 18 feet to accommodate bridge construction over Show Low Creek, but the boat ramp is still accessible. Show Low Lake has been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout and sub catchable size channel catfish.
Boat anglers have been catching trout and walleyes trolling cowbells with and attached worms, lures, and flies. Try worms, Power Bait, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, rubber lead head jigs, crankbaits, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, and peacock ladies.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10hp. gas motors.
WOODLAND LAKE - Fishing is fair. The lake is full and the boat ramp is accessible. Weeds are present along the shoreline. Try worms, Power Bait, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, Super Dupers, and small spoons, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, and Hares ears nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
WHITE MOUNTAIN STREAMS:
West Fork Black River: Fishing is good. The West Fork was stocked at the campground with catchable size Apache trout last week.
Wild brown trout are also present in the lower portion of the river. In the campground area, try worms, salmon eggs, small lures such as spinners, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs like hares ear, pheasant tails, zug bugs, prince nymphs, and caddis imitations.
The upper portion of the river, upstream of the confluence with Hayground Creek and including the Forest Road 116 crossing, is open to artificial lures and flies only, with catch and release regulations.
East Fork Black River: Fishing is good. The East Fork was stocked with catchable size Apache trout last week.
Wild brown trout are also present throughout the river. Try worms, salmon eggs, small lures such as spinners, and flies such as Peacock ladies, woolly worms, small nymphs like hares ear, pheasant tails, zug bugs, prince nymphs, and caddis imitations.
Sheep's Crossing: Highway 273 is closed for the year due to road construction and an area closure is still in effect around Sheep Crossing, 24 hours and 7 days a week.
Little Colorado River Greer: Fishing is good. The LCR in Greer was stocked with catchable size Apache trout. Try worms, salmon eggs, small lures such as spinners, and flies such as peacock ladies, woolly worms, small nymphs like hares ear, pheasant tails, zug bugs, prince nymphs, and caddis imitations.
Silver Creek: Fishing is fair to good. The stream could be turbid from recent rains. It is stocked weekly with catchable size Apache trout. Silver Creek on the Arizona Game and Fish Department property is now open to bait fishing and statewide fishing regulations are in effect until Sept. 30. The upper section is closed to fishing.
Try small lures such as Mepps, Rooster tails, and Panther Martin spinners. Fly-fishers may want to try wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, shrimp patterns, midge patterns, and small bead head nymphs. Try small dry flies such as Adams, parachute Adams, midge and caddis fly patterns. Bait fishermen should try worms, Power Bait, and salmon eggs.
Southeastern Arizona
TUCSON URBAN — Channel catfish are being stocked this week.
RIGGS FLAT — Fishing is slow but a few fish are being caught. This lake was stocked last week.
CLUFF RANCH — No recent reports of success. A new fishing pier has been installed which should provide a large increase in access for shore anglers. For lake information call (928) 485-9430.
ROPER LAKE — No recent reports of success. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.
DANKWORTH POND — No recent reports of success. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.
FRYE MESA RESERVIOR – Fishing is slow as the fish have gone deep to beat the heat. Early morning and late evenings are producing a few fish though.
KEARNY LAKES — The lake remains fishless due to golden algae problems.
Bass caught at Arivaca LakeARIVACA — The lake has come up and anglers should have no problem launching their boats. The fishing remains fair. Monsoon rains have slowly turned the top water bite on in the late evenings. Jan. 1 marks a change in the motor restrictions at this lake. Motors 10 horsepower or less will now be legal for use at Arivaca. Anglers are encouraged to please be aware of your wake so as not to disrupt other anglers fishing from other boats and the shore. Remember that all bass must be immediately released back to the water.
Angler report:
Where: Arivica Lake
When: 07/26/08
Caught: 7 Largemouth Bass and one huge Redear
Technique: Crankbaits and large blue tandem tail grubs. All of them were caught out of the cover of fallen trees.
Comments: The bass were 1.5lbs to 3.5lbs. The redear was 2.3lbs. Me and my buddy Derek had a great time and will be going back soon.
Name: Chris Clutter
PENA BLANCA – The boat ramp at Pena Blanca lake is now open. Please use caution as the approach road is rough and there is still lots of debris along the edges of the road. No recent reports of success. Be aware that the lake will be drained and renovated late this fall to remove mercury contaminated sediment form the lake bottom. The lake now has a 10 HP limit but be aware of your wake so as not to disrupt other people fishing in boats or on shore. The mercury advisory for all warm water fish is in effect. Bass less than 13 inches long must be immediately released. The daily bag limit for bass is four. Jan. 1 marks a change in the motor restrictions at this lake. Motors 10 horsepower or less will now be legal for use at Pena Blanca.
PATAGONIA — Recent storms have filled the lake and water is going over the spillway. Boaters should use caution as there is debris from flooding floating in the lake. Bass fishing is fair to good using almost any crank baits or worms. There are lots of bluegill and red ear being caught on any bait. Most are pretty small but great fun for kids.
PARKER CANYON —Warm water fish are biting in the early a.m. and late p.m. including bluegill and bass, it seems the later in the morning the deeper you need to fish near the weed lines. Worms seem to be the best bait for the bluegills, and deep water lures for the bass. Bass at night is better with top water lures and buzz baits. Trout are very slow, in deep water only.
PICACHO RESERVOIR — No Report at this time.
ROSE CANYON LAKE — The fishing remains slow. Worms, and green and yellow power bait is doing the trick though for those with the patience to wait the fish out.
